Lincoln City, Oregon (USA)
Lincoln City serves up consistent winter wind on raw Oregon coast. Cold water, strong currents, and genuine Pacific chop—this spot doesn't coddle.
- 11.2kts
- Average wind
- 120
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- NNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 44.9675, -124.0182
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
34%
rideable
14.9 kts
Feb
28%
rideable
16.7 kts
Mar
42%
rideable
15.5 kts
Apr
32%
rideable
13.9 kts
May
27%
rideable
13.4 kts
Jun
42%
rideable
14 kts
Jul
52%
rideable
13.6 kts
Aug
21%
rideable
12.7 kts
Sep
18%
rideable
12.9 kts
Oct
19%
rideable
15.5 kts
Nov
33%
rideable
17.1 kts
Dec
45%
rideable
16.5 kts
Best wind directions
- NNW
- S
- SSW
- N
- SE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and rip tides common in Oregon coastal waters
- Choppy ocean conditions with unpredictable wave formations
- Cold water temperatures year-round increasing hypothermia risk
- Rocky outcroppings and debris in nearshore areas
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
Amenities
- Beach access and parking near town center
- Local restaurants and shops in Lincoln City
- Rental shops and repair services available
- Restroom and shower facilities at beach
Local tips
Peak wind seasons are winter and early spring; July offers reliable summer winds. Check local tide tables before launching as currents are strongest during tide changes.
Launch & beach
Sandy beach launch with consistent ocean chop; NNW and N winds provide most reliable offshore/sideshore conditions. Watch for strong currents during tide changes.
Local etiquette
Respect swimmers and surfers; coordinate with other kiters during busy summer months. Stay aware of local beach regulations and any seasonal restrictions.
What to wear
5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuit recommended year-round due to cold Pacific water (50-55°F). Booties essential for rocky areas and extended sessions.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Lincoln City is a working beach town with reliable wind and zero pretense. You park close to launch, grab coffee, warm up after sessions without a hike back to civilization. The tradeoff: genuine Pacific chop and a coastline that demands respect.
Wind & Conditions
Prime window runs December through April. NNW and N winds funnel sideshore down the coast—solid, not marginal. The 11.2 kt average means real sessions, not days spent underpowered. July can work if thermals line up, but don't count on it.
Tide swings hard here. Slack water or rising tide beats fighting a dropping tide. Check the tables.
The Water
Cold year-round. You need 5/4 winter gear November through March. Summer still demands a spring suit—there's no warm-water season.
Rip currents and strong longshore drift are constant. Rocky debris lines the nearshore. Chop is relentless. Your board takes a beating.
Who It's For
Intermediate and up. You need solid current awareness, rescue skills, and comfort in cold water for long sessions. If you're weak on rips or can't self-rescue, this spot will expose you.
Warm-water kiters should head south. Everyone else: solid wind, walkable town, zero crowds.